Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God.

It is important to not prove how well trained or credentialed you are. It is Jesus doing the work and not us. He is the only One Who has the diplomas and authority (Matthew 28:18).

Phil 3:3-8 (NIV) For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh--though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Only God can certify that you are one of His ministers. The work that He does through you will be His stamp of approval on your life and work. Do not seek the approval of humans; nor be accepted by them based on diplomas, certifications, or documents. Let the work that Jesus does in and through you be your diploma. Let every hurting person that Jesus heals through you be your certification. However, let all the glory and honor go to Him. Beware of desires to prove to people who you are and what you have accomplished.

James 4:6-10 (NIV) But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Let your life and your ministering be the proof you need that Jesus is living His life in and through you. Eph 6:7 (NIV) Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Mat 6:1 (NIV) Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

We are praying for your mentoring and ministering to the hurting people around you that God will use you in a mighty way for His glory and honor. He will give you great rewards in eternity for your sacrifices and your anonymous service. Read the certificate above one more time and allow the life and ministry of Jesus and His approval fill your heart with His esteem, confidence, and authority.